Government

Miramar congresswoman pleads not guilty to stealing $5M in funds. 5 takeaways

By Miramar News Archives, with AI summarization
Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted by a grand jury on allegations that she laundered disaster funds for her election campaign, prosecutors announced Nov. 19.
Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted by a grand jury on allegations that she laundered disaster funds for her election campaign, prosecutors announced Nov. 19. Joe Cavaretta South Florida Sun Sentinel

U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of misappropriating over $5 million in COVID-19 disaster funds.

The Miramar congresswoman, representing parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties, is accused of using the funds for illegal campaign contributions.

FULL STORY: Miramar congresswoman pleads not guilty in alleged pandemic fraud case

U. S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat, has maintained her innocence and continued her duties in her district. Last week, she took part in a rally calling on the Trump Administration to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.
U. S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat, has maintained her innocence and continued her duties in her district. Last week, she took part in a rally calling on the Trump Administration to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti. AL DIAZ adiaz@miamiherald.com

Here are the highlights:

  • Cherfilus-McCormick’s attorney entered the not guilty plea last week on her behalf, as she was in Washington for a vote. The trial is set to begin on April 20.
  • The charges are linked to alleged misuse of COVID-19 emergency funds mistakenly overpaid to a family-controlled health care company. Prosecutors claim the funds were used for personal expenses and her 2021 campaign.
  • A clerical error led to the overpayment, which was allegedly laundered through bank transfers by Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother. Despite a civil settlement to repay the funds, federal prosecutors pursued criminal charges.
  • The congresswoman’s chief of staff and tax preparer face related charges, while the U.S. House Ethics Committee has also found potential campaign finance violations. A hearing on these ethics charges is scheduled for March 5.
  • Cherfilus-McCormick maintains her innocence, calling the indictment politically motivated. If convicted, she could face significant prison time and fines.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in the Miramar News newsroom. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by Miramar News journalists.

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